The Star-News

Changes at the Nature Center

The Center also recently hired Linda Koch as the facility's animal care and training supervisor.

Vallejojoined the nature center in 2002 and managed the retail and bookstore operations. In 2007 he was promoted to program manager for operations and as COO will be responsible for aquarium division operations and facility management.

In the newly created role of COO, he will have greater responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the Nature Center.

Koch joins the center with more than 10 years of animal care and training experience. Most recently, she served as exhibit supervisor for Living Exhibits in the Jacksonville Zoological Park and Gardens.